Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet may lower your risk for dementia by interfering with the build-up of amyloid, and tau. These are proteins that turn into plaques and tangles often resulting in Alzheimer’s disease.

The true diet is simple, plant-based cooking, with the majority of each meal focused on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and seeds, with a few nuts and a heavy emphasis on extra-virgin olive oil. Fats other than olive oil, such as butter, are consumed rarely, if at all. And say goodbye to refined sugar or flour.

Mediterranean diet may prevent memory loss and dementia, study finds

Researchers found that for every point of higher compliance with the diet participants had one less year of brain aging. The study was published in Neurology, and examined 343 people who were at high risk for Alzheimer’s and then compared them to 169 “cognitively normal” participants.

Researchers tested cognitive skills, (language, memory, and executive function), used brain scans to measure brain volume, and tested spinal fluid from 226 people for amyloid an tau protein biomarkers.

Participants were then asked how well they were following the diet and found that those who did not follow the diet closely had more signs of amyloid and tau buildup than those who did.

This study is not the first of its kind. A previous study of nearly 6,000 older Americans showed that those who followed the Mediterranean diet or similar lowered their risk of dementia by a third.

The Mediterranean diet is one that closely follows OLM’s own recommended diet. With staples of whole grains and legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and no flour or refined sugar those who follow the Mediterranean diet are going to be much better off than those who follow a traditional western diet.

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Italian scientists studying the Mediterranean diet have found evidence that the quality of your food matters when it comes to health benefits. Researchers from Mediterranean Neurological Institute (I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed) released their findings in 2017 after studying more than 18,000 men and women since 2005. The Molisani study saw that wealthier participants experienced a greater reduction of cardiovascular risks.

Given a comparable adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the most advantaged groups were more likely to report a larger number of indices of high quality diet as opposed to people with low socioeconomic status…For example, within those reporting an optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet (as measured by a score comprising fruits and nuts, vegetables, legumes, cereals, fish, fats, meat, dairy products and alcohol intake) people with high income or higher educational level consumed products richer in antioxidants and polyphenols, and had a greater diversity in fruit and vegetables choice. We have also found a socioeconomic gradient in the consumption of whole-grain products and in the preferred cooking methods. These substantial differences in consuming products belonging to Mediterranean diet lead us to think that quality of foods may be as important for health as quantity and frequency of intake”

Licia Iacoviello, head of the Laboratory of Nutritional and Molecular Epidemiology at I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed

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Here is yet another insidious way lower-income people are disadvantaged.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a large quantity of olive oil, unrefined grains, legumes, and diverse fruits and vegetables. It includes moderate amounts of fish, dairy, and wine. In addition, not all items are created equal – cheaper versions of things (like canned vegetables as opposed to fresh) do not contain the same nutritional makeup as fresher, more expensive options. Lower-income people are less likely to be able to afford the quality and diversity of products needed to reap the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

A staple in the Mediterranean, extra virgin olive oil can be found in most dishes originating from the region. The oil is also a main ingredient in the Mediterranean diet that was developed as a way to safely lose weight while improving your overall health. High in essential fatty acids, plant sterols, and even vitamin K, there are several benefits associated with extra virgin olive oil that include its great taste.

Improve Your Immune System

Extra virgin olive oil is high in certain antioxidants that can help strengthen your immune system, along with vitamin E and natural carotenoids. These compounds are necessary for your body to successfully fight off certain cancers and diabetes and prevent inflammation and coronary artery disease. These naturally occurring antioxidants are also responsible for the distinctive flavor of the oil and are also beneficial in helping to prevent some types of degenerative nerve disease.

Relieves Aches and Pain

The nutritious oil is also high in oleocanthal, which acts like a natural pain reliever. This compound mimics the active ingredients found in ibuprofen and is a natural and safe way to ease various aches and pains due to inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil can also help treat the discomfort associated with sore and swollen joints that are usually caused by arthritis.

Weight Loss Aid

With the growing popularity of the Mediterranean diet, many people are discovering the great taste of the extra virgin olive oil, which can make it easier to eat healthily and lose the extra weight. While it is high in fat and calories, it can also help you shed the extra pounds. The calories contained in olive oil are used for energy while the fatty acids are essential for your general health. It can also improve digestive health, which is always beneficial even if you are not trying to lose weight.

Improve Your Sex Life

The compounds found in extra virgin olive oil can also improve your sexual performance, along with your general health. The plant sterols can reduce cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing heart disease while the essential fatty acids improve blood flow and circulation. Increased blood flow can treat several sexual dysfunctions, and prevent any from occurring. When your entire body is healthy, it is easier to have a satisfying sex life.

Prevent Loss of Brain Function

One of the biggest fears people face when they are growing older is the loss of brain function. The vitamin K in extra virgin olive oil has proven to be successful in preventing damage to the neurons, a key step in treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin K can also increase bone density, and prevent osteoporosis.

Reduce Signs of Aging

Along with helping to prevent and treat arthritis, memory loss, and osteoporosis, this healthy and natural oil can also improve the appearance of your skin. The vitamins and plant sterols can help fight the signs of aging, along with minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. High in essential vitamin E, adding extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet can help improve cellular regeneration. This can not only “erase” tiny wrinkles, but the beneficial compounds can also even skin tone for a fresh and radiant appearance.

Improve Overall Health

Along with being an effective weight loss aid, extra virgin olive oil can improve your overall health. The naturally occurring antioxidants can reduce your risk of developing certain diseases while the plant sterols work to lower cholesterol and improve the health of your heart. Essential vitamins improve your skin tone and digestive system while also helping to treat and prevent several health conditions. This delicious and nutritious oil can also improve memory function, along with your sex life.

Summary

It is hard to believe that this natural oil can offer so many health benefits while also making salads, pastas, and even bread taste unbelievable. Used for centuries in the Mediterranean for its nutritional properties, it has now become a popular choice for many people looking to lose weight and improve their health. Extra virgin olive oil can be used in cooking, as a dressing for vegetables and pasta, or to simply dip your bread in. It will improve your digestive system making it easier to lose weight safely, and its natural compounds work to improve the health of your body. As a bonus, this natural oil does not contain any allergens and is generally considered safe for anyone to ingest.

References:

• OliveOil – Wikipedia
• Multiple Articles – Consumer Health Digest
• Multiple Articles – Glozine